Delta 10″ Contractor’s Table Saw Model 34-400: The Post-War Pioneer of Precision
1. Introduction
The Delta 10″ Contractor’s Table Saw Model 34-400 represents one of Delta’s earliest true contractor-grade saws, introduced just after World War II. The 34-400 combined the stability of the company’s industrial cabinet saws. It also offered the portability of its Homecraft line. As a result, it quickly became the standard machine for professional carpenters, schools, and small cabinet shops.
It had a robust cast-iron table, a belt-driven motor, and an open-steel stand. This made it lighter than a Unisaw. However, it was far more accurate than benchtop models. It offered the perfect blend of mobility and precision for post-war woodworking.
Delta No. 34-400 Parts Available on Ebay
Delta 34-400 Contractor’s Saw Features
For the first time, a bench saw that offers:
- Extra Smooth, Precision Cutting.
- Big Saw Performance.
- Large Table Capacity.
- Easily Operated Controls.
- Rugged Construction Throughout
Every user, from industry to the cabinet or school shop, wants a saw that will provide these important features big capacity . . . large table surface . .. quick operating, self-aligning fence . . . conveniently grouped controls …plus rugged interior construction. You get all these features , and more, with the Rockwell Delta 10″ Tilting Arbor Bench Saw! Let us demonstrate this new standard in bench saws for you today … prove that it’s the BIGGEST VALUE in its class!
Accessories for the 34-400 Contractors Table Saw
No. 49-364 Retractable Caster Set
No. 50-315 Steel Stand, 24″ high with 20 x 221h ” top
No. 34-886 Belt Guard.
Encloses entire V-belt and motor pulley, preventing small pieces of stock from striking and damaging the belt or pulley during operation.
No. 41-203 Motor Pulley, 5/8″ bore, 3″ diameter, for 3450 rpm motors.
No. 49·145 V-belt, 46″ a.c., for 62-731, 62-751 , 66-731 and 66-751 Motors.
No. 1451 Standard Table Insert
No. 1452 Dado Head table Insert
No. 1453 Moulding Cutterhead Table Insert
No. 34-472 Extra Long Guide Bars that permit ripping to the center of a 100″ panel.
Motors and Controls for Single Phase Operation.
No. 62-731 Motor, 1 HP, capacitor, 115/230 V. 60 cy. AC, 3450 rpm. Includes 115 V 8-foot cord with 3-prong grounding type plug but with no control switch.
No. 62-751 Motor, 1 1/2 HP, capacitor, 230 V. 60 cy. AC, 3450 rpm. Includes 115 V 8-foot cord with 3-prong grounding type plug but with no control switch.
No. 34-891 Push Button Manual Control Switch and Wiring Kit for use with 62-731 or 62-751 Motor.
2. History of the Delta 34-400
The Model 34-400 was introduced in 1949, marking Delta’s entry into what would become the “contractor saw” category. Before this time, table saws were divided strictly between small Homecraft tilt-table machines and heavy cabinet saws like the Unisaw.
The 34-400 offered something entirely new. It was a full-sized 10″ table saw. An external belt-driven motor powered it, and this motor could be easily removed for transport. It was built under the Delta Milwaukee brand and later Rockwell Delta. It remained in production throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. Eventually, it gave rise to successors such as the 34-410 and 34-425.
3. Manufacturer Background
Founded in 1919 in Milwaukee, the Delta Specialty Company revolutionized woodworking by offering precision, cast-iron machinery for small shops. By 1945, Delta had been acquired by Rockwell Manufacturing Company, combining Delta’s craftsmanship with Rockwell’s industrial capacity.
The 34-400 was one of the first Rockwell-era machines. It was designed to bring industrial quality to the professional craftsman. This innovation was a pivotal step between the Homecraft series and later contractor saw lines.
4. Design and Features of the 34-400
The Delta 34-400 was designed as a portable 10″ open-stand table saw built for professional-grade accuracy.
Key Features:
- 10″ blade capacity with 3″ depth of cut at 90°, 2″ at 45°
- 1½ – 3 HP belt-driven motor, 115/230 V operation
- Right-tilt arbor with machined arbor flanges and trunnions mounted to the table
- Cast-iron top and extension wings for flatness and stability
- Jet-Lock rip fence system with precision rail adjustment
- Open steel stand for easy motor access and transport
- Magnetic switch and belt guard assembly for operator safety
- Optional enclosed motor cover and dust collection kit.
These features offered cabinet-saw-level performance. The frame was light enough for contractors to move from site to site. This was a radical innovation in its day.
Big Saw Capacities. This new Delta saw
offers capacities not usually found in bench saws. The saw cuts stock 3″ thick. It rips to center of a 50″ panel, 100″ with Extra Long Guide Bars (accessory).
Extra Large Table Surface. Big 36″ x 27″ table (with wings) provides extra support for handling large panels. The precision ground table is scientifically ribbed to prevent warping and distortion.
Preferred T·Slot Table. T-slots on either side of saw blade hold the miter gage securely, even beyond the front of table. They provide accurate support for work up to 25 1/2″ on 1″ stock. The Miter gage can’t twist or fall out.
Correct Blade Tilt. The blade on the Rockwell Delta 10″ Bench Saw tilts to the right. This is unlike some competitive saws. It tilts away from the operator’s hands. This assures greater safety for the operator because most people prefer to work on the left side of the blade.
Adjustable Positive Stops on Table.
The saw blade stops can be adjusted for perfect 90° and 45° settings on the top of the table. The saw blade insert contains similar adjusting screws for levelling the insert in place.
Exclusive Jet·Lock Rip Fence. The single control handle automatically aligns fence parallel to blade as it simultaneously locks to front guide rail. The fence then locks securely to rear guide bar. This fence fits the old model UNISAWS and No. 1160 10″ Tilting Table Saws. Order Part No. 422-04-355-0001.
Conveniently Grouped Controls. All controls are grouped “up front” for fast, safe operation. The rack and gear mechanism functions smoothly. It makes it easy to raise, tilt, and lower the saw blade. The 3-spoke lock holds the desired saw settings.
Rugged Interior Construction. The heavy
trunnions support a large cast iron trunnion bracket which carries the arbor assembly. Note husky rack and gear mechanism that assures smooth, easy positioning of saw blade.
Excellent Power Transmission. Observe how motor and V-belt tilt with the sawblade. This means full, even power transmission to the saw with less wear and strain on the V-belt and motor.
5. Usage and Applications
The 34-400 was marketed to professionals and schools needing the precision of a Unisaw without its weight or price. It was widely used for:
- Cabinet and furniture production
- Trim carpentry and job-site construction
- Educational woodworking programs
- General workshop applications
Its belt-drive system isolated vibration for smoother cuts. The reduction of blade runout made it a favorite for fine woodworkers. Builders also favored it.
6. Restoring the Delta Model 34-400
Restoring a 34-400 is straightforward thanks to its rugged mechanical design and readily available parts.
Typical Restoration Steps:
- Disassemble and clean the arbor and trunnion assemblies
- Replace bearings, belts, and switch components
- Repaint in Delta gray (pre-Rockwell) or Rockwell blue-gray enamel
- Rewire motor and switch to modern grounding standards
- Align the table, fence, and blade to factory tolerances
Replacement Jet-Lock fences, arbor bearings, and motor mount parts are available from VintageMachinery.org, OWWM.org, and modern parts vendors.
Evaporust for Table Saw Restoration
YouTube Video on Restoring the 34-400 Table Saw
7. Collectibility and Value
The Delta Model 34-400 is highly collectible. It represents a turning point in Delta’s history. It bridged Delta’s Homecraft and contractor lines.
Typical Values (2025):
- $300 – $700 — Functional examples
- $700 – $1,000 — Fully restored with original Jet-Lock fence and stand
Machines retaining their Delta Milwaukee badges, original switch boxes, and motor tags fetch premium prices among collectors.
8. Finding Manuals and Parts
Owners Manual for the Delta
10″ Contractor’s Saw No. 34-400
Delta 10″ Contractor’s Saw No. 34-400 Maintenance & Tune Up Guide (Coming Soon).
Original Delta 34-400 manuals, parts lists, and sales literature are archived at VintageMachinery.org.
Reproduction decals, motor badges, and Jet-Lock parts are available through vintage tool dealers and community forums like OWWM.org.
Basic Machine Accessories & Parts
No. 62-751 Motor, 1 1/2 HP, capacitor, 230 V. 60 cy. AC, 3450 rpm. Includes 115 V 8-foot cord with 3-prong grounding type plug but with no control switch.
Motor Mount
No. 34-886 Belt Guard.
The belt guard encloses entire V-belt and motor pulley, preventing small pieces of stock from striking and damaging the belt or pulley during operation.
Crank Handwheel
Switch Controls
No. 1451 Standard Table Insert
Delta Table Saw Inserts for Sale on Ebay
No. 1452 Dado Head table Insert
No. 1453 Moulding Cutterhead Table Insert
Miter Gauge
Rip Fence
No. 50-315 Steel Stand, 24″ high with 20″ x 22 ” top Open Steel Stand
No. 49-364 Retractable Caster Set
Additional Resources on old-Woodworking-Machines
- Delta Homecraft Table Saw History and Model Guide
- Delta 34-400 Table Saw Maintenance & Tune-Up Guide
- Restoring a Vintage Delta Table Saw (Coming Soon)
- Finding Delta Table Saw Manuals and Parts
Delta 10″ Contractor’s Saw No. 34-400 Parts Diagrams
9. Final Thoughts
The Delta 10″ Contractor’s Table Saw Model 34-400 marks a historic milestone in American woodworking. Combining industrial precision with job-site portability, it set the blueprint for every contractor saw that followed.
The 34-400 is a testament to Delta’s post-war craftsmanship and mechanical innovation. It can be restored for daily use or preserved as a collectible. This machine is built to last for generations.
✅ Quick Reference Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | Delta 34-400 10″ Contractor’s Table Saw |
| Type | Belt-driven open-stand table saw |
| Motor | 1½ – 3 HP (single or three-phase) |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Construction | Cast-iron table, Cast Iron Wings, steel stand |
| Fence System | Jet-Lock Fence |
| Production Era | Late 1940s – 1950s and into the 1960s |
| Origin | Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA (Delta Milwaukee Division) |
Delta No. 34-400 Contractor’s Table Saw Photos
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